Beijing Travel Guide

The Temple of Heaven

As one of the world's great ancient capitals Beijing is a must-see. It is home to some of the finest remnants of China's imperial past.

Standing side-by-side with old Beijing's crimson palace complexes are the city's impressive skylines. Beijing is a superb example of the great transformation China has undergone as it burst into the 21st century. Beijing's travel industry has forged forward after China's economic reforms in 1978, and the city is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Beijing Attractions

Some of the places of architectural and scenic beauty include:

Beijing Tian'anmen

• The Forbidden City, the largest and best preserved ancient architectural complex in the world;
• Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors performed solemn rituals for bountiful harvests;
• Summer Palace, the emperors' magnificent garden retreat;
• Ming Tombs, the majestic mausoleums of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors; and of course
• The Great Wall of China, especially the world-renowned Badaling section.

Bird's Nest Stadium

Beijing's invaluable cultural heritage of imperial relics has drawn millions of visitors every year, but traveling around Beijing, one is also struck by the city's modern buildings, and the super-modern Olympic Village, with the Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube.

Beijing became the focus of world attention in 2008 when it hosted the Olympics. The games were a symbol of both China's progress and China's traditions, with high-class eye-catching facilities and spectacular ceremonies.

The green areas in and around the city are epitomized by Xiangshan (Fragrant Hills) Park. China Highlights provides a range of Beijing tours to explore China's capital city. Follow the link for the Beijing's Top 10 Tour Packages.

Helicopter Cruising over the Badaling Great Wall

Beijing Hiking and Biking

Although the city of Beijing is not a good place for hiking and biking due to its busy traffic, there are a many quiet routes in the areas around it for outdoor-lovers to explore.

The most popular hiking routes are the Great Wall and Badachu to Fragrant Hill routes. Beijing's Hutongs are good place for a cycling tour, and a must for most travelers to Beijing, as it offers a great opportunity to explore the old Beijing. See Beijing Biking Guide.

Fall Foliage along Badaling Great Wall

Weather

Beijing, China's second largest city after Shanghai, dominates the north of China, despite its proximity to the ports of Tianjin Municipality, China's third largest city.

Beijing is approximately at the same latitude as Philadelphia in the U.S. (but drier in winter and much wetter in summer) and Madrid in Spain (though colder in winter). See Beijing Weather.

Air Quality

Beijing's air pollution and traffic congestion are being tackled with improved public transport, restrictions on the use of vehicles, and the relocation of factories. Daily and localized variations in airborne particle levels are great, with some days below the WHO's strictest targets.
Beijing's air quality, apart from pollutants, is greatly affected by occasional dust storms in the spring, and humidity contributes greatly to the haze in summer, which is the worst time of the year for visibility and air quality.

If you have severe breathing-related health issues or feel Beijing is not an option, we suggest making Hong Kong or Shanghai your gateway city:

• Four-Day Tour of Guilin and Yangshuo Discovery from Hong Kong
• Eight-Day Tour of Shanghai and Her Amazing Neighbors.